The design process for Fire Station 9 continues this week.

The Seattle Design Commission meets tomorrow, Thursday, May 20 to review its design development phase at Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave. The fire station part of the agenda is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Fire Levy Communications Officer Christina Faine said about 150 neighbors attended the design development open house on Saturday (May 15) to see the progress of the design and visit the firefighters, who served cookies, coffee and water.

This was the rendering by artist Mike Kowalski that was shown at the open house:

Faine said:

“The design and art were well received by the community. The new building will employ several elements that will reflect the fire fighting history of the site. The architects researched the numerical “tapper code,” a historical version of the 911 dispatch system, and will use it to add detail to the building façade.

The project team have made a number of changes to the design since the schematic design open house on January 9, 2010. In response to comments from the open house  - as well as the Seattle Design Commission Schematic Design review on January 21, 2010 - concepts from the site’s history have been incorporated into the building façade design and landscape treatment.

Since the open house in January, the public art piece has become more defined.

The landscaping and sustainability concepts have been fleshed out and include the installation of rainwater collection cisterns for re-using water in the building and landscape irrigation. The architects received comments supporting this approach and making it visible and instructive.”

Peter Reiquam is a Seattle-based artist who has created public works for over 20 years and was chosen for the public art for the fire station.

Big Black Cat features a large-scale black cat perched on the roof’s edge of Fire Station 9. The sculpture, a variation on the Eveready Black Cat graphic, will be twenty feet in length and feature amber-colored glass eyes that are illuminated from within by low-voltage LEDs. Reiquam was inspired by the Eveready battery logo which has become a mascot for Fire Station 9 and a symbol that lets the Fremont community know that the firefighters at this station are “Ever Ready.” 

The panelists selected Peter Reiquam because they felt he displayed the best potential to create a bold iconic statement for Fire Station 9. The panel was impressed by Peter’s artistic excellence and technical abilities, and felt his aesthetic would be a great match for the fire fighters, the surrounding neighborhood and the Fremont community.

Two local projects are being recognized by Mayor Greg Nickels and the Seattle Design Commission for exhibiting superior design.  Fremont Peak Park and the Woodland Park Zoo’s Penguin Exhibit are both being honored at a ceremony taking place at City Hall this evening. 

Fremont Peak Park is more than an urban oasis with a panoramic view. It exemplifies what is possible when community initiative meets good design.  It shows us that small, intimate spaces can have a tremendous neighborhood impact, and reminds us that the dedicated work of tenacious individuals can pay dividends. The park seamlessly integrates art and landscape while its design successfully tells a story, provides space for both quiet reflection and community gatherings, and captures the spirit of Fremont.

The Woodland Park Zoo Penguin Exhibit is a fantastic example of integrative design.  Adherence to a comprehensive, well-defined scope and a vigorous process has lead to a design that goes well beyond showcasing the penguins, their environment and survival.  The project achieves a new benchmark of impressive sustainability and multicultural educational objectives and includes the capacity for on- going monitoring and adjustment.  The exhibit’s low-key attitude and careful attention to design fit strengthens a significant entrance to the zoo and reinforces the overall legibility of its environment.

The Seattle Design Commission presents the awards for design excellence twice a year after reviewing public projects that foster interaction with the public and enhance Seattle neighborhoods.  Five projects in total are being honored at tonight’s ceremony in the Bertha K. Landes Room at City Hall (600 4th Ave - enter on 5th Ave side).  An open house takes place from 4-6 p.m. with the Awards Presentation starting at 4:30.